Posted on 08/06/2006 8:43:22 AM PDT by drsbb
Early on in Hugo Chávez's political career, the Venezuelan president attacked my notion that liberal democracy together with a market economy represents the ultimate evolutionary direction for modern societies -- the "end of history." When asked what lay beyond the end of history, he offered a one-word reply: "Chavismo."
More at the Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/04/AR2006080401768_pf.html
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
As opposed to being together with a dictatorship. In any case, the above "notion" is more to my liking.
Interesting artlcle, though, with possible relevance to the point we were discussing about Pinochet's Chile. The article represents Chavez' Venezuela as a quasi totalitarian state which allows free speech.
Taken literally, the 'end of history' is arrogant hubris. In the sense of capitalism/democracy's final triumph, it's a good metaphor. The last hurdle socially may have been hinted at in this very article, though.
"Unless [social policy] creates incentives for the poor to help themselves, it can become an entitlement that breeds dependence"
Hugo ended his speech with "Socialism or death. We will win." Now there is only one human endeavor which is decided by who wins and who loses, war. Had Casey Sheehan have died for Chavez's war for socialism, would that have been a noble cause Cindy?
Chavez does not allow free speech. He had a law passed where you can go to jail for insulting the President for from 2 to 5 years. Also, there's an election watchdog group on trial for undermining the government. Their leaders face 30 years.
Well, the article referred to a "relatively free press," but I certainly believe you. I know some Venezuelans here in Miami, and they are damn glad not to be still in Venezuela at this moment.
"Chavismo." Is that like chauvanism?
It's also driven by race. It's typical of the dishonesty of modern debate not to mention unpleasant facts when reality butts up against PC ideology.
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